1973 Austin Marina vs. 1984 Saab 900
To start off, 1984 Saab 900 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Saab 900 (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1973 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Saab 900 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1973 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Austin Marina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Saab 900, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1984 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Marina. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1984 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Marina | 1984 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Austin | Saab |
| Model | Marina | 900 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
